First Edition
FPC January 2021
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First Presbyterian Church
Post Office Box 1069
New Bern, NC 28563
Phone (252)637-3270
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9am - Noon
or by appointment
Worship Service 10:00am Sunday (in person) & Virtually
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First Presbyterian Church is a welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives: through worship, as we praise and glorify God; through outreach, as we embody God's love in service to the world; through education, as we listen for God's Word; through giving, as we express gratitude to God; through caring, as we invite all to join in God's work; through fellowship as we share our lives and faith together.
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Building Community * Transforming Lives * Engaging the World
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Trusting that God's grace embraces and makes covenant with all believers,
First Presbyterian Church intends to be an inclusive place of spiritual growth for all people. All persons are welcomed into this fellowship and membership regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic or racial identity, economic or educational status, or political affiliation.
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Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5:16
Recently, I was reading Jesus’ statements in John about his being the Bread of Life. John’s message is staying with me as I prepare for the New Year. One thing I learned was from FPC’s membership. At least one baker I know at FPC makes excellent bread, particularly cornbread – Fossie Lathan. As a matter of fact, I am eating a delicious piece of her heavenly creation as I type this reflection. She is a master at the craft. While I am a master of the art of eating bread, the art of bread making is probably something I’ll never master. On the surface, the process of bread making seems so simple. Throw together some flour, a little water, a dash of salt, a little yeast and bake it in the oven for just the right amount of time and voila! When we are done, out pops a golden loaf of melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Yet in talking with the bakers in my life, I discovered what any baker will tell you. Making bread is not that easy. For, bread is more than ingredients. Every new batch of bread dough is alive. That fourth ingredient – yeast – is the catalyst that brings the bread to life. Depending on what type of bread is desired, the baker will put together the ingredients, and then knead and shape that dough in different ways. But each batch needs the yeast to give it life.
As we approach the new year, I want us to think about the active part of our lives that give it life – prayer, and I want us to consider particularly our earnest prayers. Like making bread, the ingredients of prayer do not have to be complicated or wordy. Simple water, flour, and salt prayers are powerful once God kneads and shapes, and it is the Holy Spirit that adds the living yeast. Our job is two-fold. First, we need our prayers to be active. Second, we need patience. We must wait for the Great Baker to open the oven to deliver our daily bread the Baker promises.
The writer of the Epistle James wants us to consider Elijah. Recall how he lived during a dark time in Israel’s history when King Ahab went after idols and worshipped Baal. Elijah called for a showdown: the true God of Israel versus the false god of the pagans. Elijah was confident in his attack against the prophets of Baal on behalf of the God of Israel. Why? Because he had prayed.
In this showdown, the one who answered the challenge and sent fire from heaven would be declared the true God. So, the prophets of Baal prayed, pleaded, and cut themselves (that part grossed me out) with fervent devotion. Yet, no answer. Elijah taunted them and took his turn.
When Elijah prayed in confidence to the true God and asked for an answer in a way that would show the people God was the only true Lord, God answered Elijah’s fervent prayer. Notice something curious though. In Elijah’s prayer, he prayed and left the rest in God’s hands. What do we learn from Elijah’s example?
We see that God delighted in hearing Elijah’s prayer. Nine centuries later, James used the prayers of Elijah as a model: “When a believing person prays, great things happen. Elijah was a human being like us. He prayed that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years! Then Elijah prayed again, and the rain came down from the sky, and the land produced crops again” (James 5:16-18 NCV).
God delights in hearing our prayers. Your prayers matter to God because YOU matter to God. You aren’t just anybody. You are God’s child.
In this New Year, consider fervent prayer as a first step into this new season. For God delighted in Elijah’s prayer and answered it. In turn, we see that God delights in you, and God will answer your prayers as well.
Let us pray: Eternal and everlasting God, we are in a season of transition. As this new year begins, we pray for the PNC and its search for the new pastoral leadership necessary to guide your body. We pray for their patience and ours as they make their deliberations and seek after your will. We trust in your providence knowing that your will is being accomplished through their work. We also pray for the pastor and her/his family who the PNC will interview as they too are listening for your call. May they be open to hearing and excited in their response to your call. Give ear to our pleas as we trust that your will is being accomplished. In the name of Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, we pray. Amen.
Shalom,
Edward Bellis, Interim Pastor
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I want to thank everyone who participated in the Drive-Up Candlelight services on December 13 and 23. It was so meaningful to have so many members of our congregation on the church grounds, singing carols and worshipping. It is the first time since March that we have been able to be together. Many thanks to Vance Harper Jones who played the piano from the Session House, and for the choirs who turned out in good numbers. Thanks to Tommy Hall and Louis Foye for setting up the sound system (13th) and the torches (23rd) and to Mark Dail for sound and lights on the 23rd.
Hopefully, the 2021 Advent season will allow us to return to many of our usual practices and that will be wonderful. In the meantime, I wish all of you a very happy new year!
Yours in Christ,
Pat Kerr Rowlett
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PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE (PNC)
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Pastor Nominating Committee Report
By Steve Mabie
The Pastor Nominating Committee joins the congregation in expressing our gratitude to Rev. Eddie Bellis, Interim Pastor, for his exceptional ministry among us. Eddie made the whole process of transition very smooth for First Presbyterian – New Bern. From the development of the Mission Study, and the administration of the CAT Survey, to the naming of the Pastor Nominating Committee, Eddie’s experience and knowledge made each step seem effortless. We are thrilled for his new life in Florida and his calling as Pastor to a church there. Eddie and Laura will begin an exciting new life chapter! We wish them wonderful success and hope that they will return to visit us when in New Bern. Eddie’s last Sunday with us will be February 14, 2021.
Meanwhile, your Pastor Nominating Committee has been hard at work! Our weekly meetings are now spent evaluating the different candidates for the Senior Pastor – Head of Staff position vacancy. The Church Leadership Connection process described in the last newsletter article is working. We have received over 20 Pastor Information Forms (PIF’s) to evaluate. Additionally, we have received several “self-referral” PIF’s. Our next step is to check references and conduct ZOOM interviews with the 5-6 candidates still under consideration. Our team brings a variety of perspectives to this work. We are most ably led by Dr. Wendy Moeller, Chair of the PNC.
While the confidentiality rules prevent any discussion of specific candidates outside of the PNC proceedings, we can say we have received PIF’s from every corner of the country, and from ministers with greatly different experience backgrounds. It seems that New Bern is a sought-after Call, and we are encouraged by the quality of the candidates who have shown interest in First Pres New Bern. We also credit the congregation: unlike many churches, there is an absence of conflict here, and our members are ready to welcome new leadership.
Most of all, we ask the congregation to continue to lift the committee and our work up in prayer. We start each meeting with a devotional and end each session with prayer. We want to remain sensitive to the movement of the Spirit in all of our considerations. We remain firmly convinced that God has his hand on First Presbyterian – New Bern and expects great things from us in the future.
Blessings to all in this New Year!
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CROP Hunger Walk – New Bern Goes “Virtual” in 2021
The New Bern CROP Hunger Walk will be a “Virtual” walk in 2021. On the advice of Church World Service (CWS) and the City of New Bern, the CROP Hunger Walk, scheduled for Sunday. March 14, 2021 will be a not be a single event but will have many representations throughout our community. Our theme this year in 2021 will be “Gathered in Spirit; Scattered in Practice”.
For over 70 years Church World Service, an ecumenical, inter-faith non-profit ministry, has addressed the needs of underserved communities across the globe. What began in the 1940’s as an outreach by North American farmers to the war-stricken countries of Europe, now CWS extends nutrition support in over 60 countries. Working through the ACT Alliance of faith non-profits, Church World Service seeks to eradicate hunger and its chief cause, poverty. Active projects include disaster assistance, hunger mitigation, and community development.
In New Bern, 2021 will be the 41st year of the CROP Hunger Walk. Walkers raise funds by soliciting donations from friends, family and other contacts. Especially this year, online and social media fundraising will be emphasized. 25% of all local funds raised goes to the local partner agency, Religious Community Services (RCS). The balance of contributions funds the efforts of Church World Service. Individuals are also encouraged to participate and to contribute to the CROP Hunger Walk.
This year, because of the separation required by the COVID-19 virus, each CROP Hunger Walk Team will choose their own 1-mile or 3-mile route to walk. Walk routes may be a school track (with permission) or a community neighborhood. The “virtual” nature of the Walk this year allows for great flexibility in choosing a route to walk. In other communities who have already held “virtual” walks, routes included laps around the church parking lot, and even up and down steps at a high school football stadium (ugh!).
A Team Leader Training will be held on Thursday, January 14th at 5:30 PM at the Session House of First Presbyterian Church, 400 New Street, New Bern. Interested representatives from churches, employee groups, and individuals are invited to attend. CROP Hunger Walk supplies will be distributed at the meeting. For further information contact Steve Mabie, Walk Coordinator, 252-876-2309, or email: shmabie137@gmail.com .
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2021 CROP Hunger Walk
New Bern, NC
Sunday, March 14, 2021
A Virtual Walk
“Gathered in Spirit; Scattered in Practice”
Team Leader Training/Material Pick Up – Thursday, January 14, 5:30 PM –
First Presbyterian Church, New Bern & ZOOM
CROP Hunger Walk is hosted by Faith Connection of New Bern
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Backpack Blessings swung into action during the holiday season to assemble 225 families 'gift boxes' of a holiday meal complete with turkey, vegetables, pie, and all the trimmings. Families in our three county area will receive these food boxes prior to Christmas. We also assembled 1000 weekend snack packs for children who will be out of school for the next 2 weeks (at least!). First Presbyterian provided a huge number of carefully masked and spaced volunteers in all the array of time and day slots to perform these 'builds' and successfully bring a bit of holiday cheers into so many homes during this season. As always, we are so grateful to our congregation for their support of this wonderful program. Thanks to each of you that keep this program in your hearts and prayers, as well as the many who give of their time and treasure to it as well!
Thanks,
Stacey
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The Present Word
George Evans is leading "The Present Word class: Call in the New Testament". The class meets online Sunday morning at 10 am using Zoom. Please contact George Evans (gkevans4@gmail.com) to receive a meeting room ID and password. Book is available in the church office.
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Women's Monday Night Bible Study
Leaders: Wendy Moeller & Marice DeBruhl
Began: September 14th
Meets: Monday 7 pm
Location: on Zoom
Text: The Monday Evening Women’s Bible Study has been enthusiastically studying and diligently Zooming through the Gospel of Luke since September. After our brief Christmas break, we will start up again on January 4th with Luke for Everyone by NT Wright. New participants are always welcome to this study which will take us up to just before Easter. We meet 7:00-8:30 each Monday evening. For information contact Marice Debruhl or Wendy Moeller. To be put on the email list or for Zoom questions, contact Cathy Wingfield. Schedules are available in the church office.
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Thursday Morning Women's Bible Study
Every Thursday
Location: on Zoom
Text: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
The Thursday Women's Bible Study will start a new book on Thursday, January 7 and the book study will run for 6 weeks and finish right before Lent (don't worry if you can't make every meeting). Friends, family, neighbors welcome!! We meet weekly by Zoom from 10-11 am. The book is "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brene Brown.
Books are available in paperback (and it is available in a Kindle version) and can be ordered from Amazon (if you need assistance ordering the book please let Maren know):
Please contact: Rev. Dr. Maren Sonstegard-Spray (Maren@firstpresnb.org) to join and get on the mailing list for reading assignments and zoom meeting ID and password.
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PILGRIMAGE OUTFITTERS
Equipping pilgrims for the spiritual journey
January 2021
Sunday School Class beginning January 17. This class will examine the topic of “caste” introduced by Isabel Wilkerson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of our chosen text, Caste. This bestselling book is a review of the history of a powerful caste system which unconsciously influences our lives and behavior beyond race, class or other factors. Our Sunday morning gatherings will be a safe arena to explore these stories, to share our own stories, and to listen for God’s story which is how we can find HOPE during our current historical situation with all its challenges and divisions.
I will be joined in facilitating this discussion by Brenda George, a community leader and retired staff attorney for the N.C. Legislature. The class will begin on Sunday, January 17 at 8:30 am via zoom. Books are available on Amazon. Please email Priscilla (priscilla@firstpresnb.org) of your intentions to join the group.
The text is full of stories that define the lives of so many people who have been impacted by the caste system. The experience of reading Caste awakened me to my own ignorance of these stories and my discomfort with their implications. I hope our study and discussions together can help us all move beyond artificial separations toward HOPE and UNITY in our common humanity.
Please consider joining us. If you have questions, please call 252-637-3270 or email me at lloyd@firstpresnb.org.
Still time to sign up for the Pilgrimage to Iona. We have recently added 4 individuals to our pilgrimage to Iona, Scotland and London, England on September 14 – 23, 2021. This trip was scheduled for last fall but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis. The promise of a vaccine has been a reassurance about the safety of this trip by next September.
This unique adventure begins with a 3 day stay in London including a guided tour of the Capital, a visit to the historic pilgrimage site of Canterbury Cathedral, and a unique opportunity to visit some uniquely alive religious sites in the midst of this modern city. We will spend a night in Glasgow, Scotland, on the way to 5 days on the island of Iona off the west coast of Scotland.
Lloyd Griffith
Trail Guide
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Youth Family Contact
If you are not receiving Youth email updates and would like to, please contact Marianna Dunn at marianna@firstpres.org so we can get you added to our list!
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Grief Support Group
The cold weather has finally gotten to New Bern! But our group remains warm and welcoming. We will meet again on Tuesday, January 19 at 12:30pm and we will meet in the Ministry Center in the large choir room upstairs. We, of course, will require masks and will practice social distancing. If you have any concerns or questions contact me, Lloyd Griffith at the church 252-637-3720 or send me an email. lloyd@firstpresnb.org
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Retirement Centers:
McCarthy Court
(252)637-7133
1321 McCarthy Blvd.
New Bern, NC 28563
Don Bailey, Apt. 208
Morag Cheesman, Apt. 209
Flo Jones, Apt. 303
McCarthy Court II
1325 McCarthy Blvd.
New Bern, NC 28563
Jean Hoffman, Apt. 39
Edna Harkins Apt. 34
Assisted Living Facilities:
Courtyards at Berne Village
(252)633-1779
2701 Amhurst Blvd.
New Bern, NC 28562
Mary Olstad, Villa #9
Brookdale
(252)558-1291
1336 S. Glenburnie Rd
New Bern, NC 28653
Kenny Baxter, Apt. 206
Joyce Krumnacher, Apt. 302
Riverpoint Crest
(252)637-4730
2600 Old Cherry Point Rd.
New Bern, NC 28560
Barbara Bell, Apt. 108
Ray Henderson, Apt. 20
Croatan Village
(252)634-9066
4522 Old Cherry Point Rd.
New Bern, NC 28560
Lane Mitterling Rm 311
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Belated Sympathy: Darlene Willman's brother, Don Dolan, passed away on September 22nd. in Talent, Oregon. He was in failing health for the last year and died one week after he and his wife were quickly forced to evacuate their home when fire swept through the entire neighborhood, burning their house and all their possessions to the ground.
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New Address:
Joy Thompson
Warwick Forest Hall
850 Denbigh Blvd., Room 213
Newport News, VA 23608
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New Address:
David & Maureen Parker
31 Stoney Acres Road
Pittston, ME 04345-6641
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Happy 90th Birthday
Pat Runser on January 20th
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January Meal
We will doing a Pick-Up dinner again on Sunday, January 10 between 5:30pm and 6:30pm. Pick-up will be at the rear of the Fellowship Center.
Knowing that everybody is full of holiday fare, we will be doing a burger and hotdog meal. We will be serving hot off the grills with the whole fellowship team.
Our menu will include:
Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers or Hotdogs
Plenty of fixings
Potato salad
Chips
And a classic dessert
We will have a sign up as we have had in the past by calling the church office (252-637-3270) or email priscilla@firstpresnb.org. Deadline for signup is January 7 by 5:00pm.
February Preview
We will be serving pancakes for Shrove Tuesday on February 16.
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CHURCH LEADERSHIP & STAFF
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Pastoral & Program Staff
The Rev. Edward (Eddie) Bellis, Interim Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Maren Sonstegard-Spray, Designated Associate Pastor
The Rev. Lloyd Griffith, Parish Associate
Marianna Dunn, High School Youth Coordinator
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Music Program Staff
Pat K. Rowlett, Director of Music
Vance Harper Jones, Organist
Susan Mabie, Director Resurrection Singers
Cindy Sutton, Assistant Organist & Pianist
Dru Wilkins, Music Assistant
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Office & Support Staff
Tommy Hall, Facilities Supervisor
Priscilla Miller, Office Administrator
Cathy Wingfield, Communications Facilitator
Amber Zapffel, Financial Administrator
Kerri Wheeler, Children's Worship & Director of Preschool
Louis Foye, Sexton
James Briley, Jr., Treasurer
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Session
Moderators, Rev. Edward Bellis, Rev. Dr. Maren Sonstegard-Spray
Karen Reed, Clerk
Chair of the Commission is underlined
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ADMINISTRATION
Marc Finlayson ’22
Phoebe Briley ’23
Jim Findley ’21
Julia Speight ‘22
EDUCATION
Gayle Hardy ’21
Addie Cheek ’23
Madison Crum ’22
Beth Paul ‘23
OUTREACH
Bruce Pollock ’21
Peggy Clark ’21
Mark Moeller ’23
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CARE
Patti Fleming ‘22
Margaret Cooper ‘22
Margaret Pritchett ‘23
FELLOWSHIP
Kevin Avolis ‘22
Beth Foley ‘21
Middleton
Hinckley ‘23
WORSHIP
Janelle Haggard ‘21
George Moore ‘21
Mike Newman ‘23
Hal Vandersea ‘22
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2021 CALENDAR for JANUARY
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- Bulletin & News deadline Wednesdays 5 pm
- Newsletter deadline 3rd Friday
- New Year's Day January 1st
- Global Family Day January 1st
- Epiphany January 6th
- Baptism of the Lord January 10th Communion
- Ordination/Installation of Officers January 10th
- Fellowship Meal January 10th
- Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Begins January 18th
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